Fab, Feisty and Sixty (ish)

C is for ... Carlisle & Cumbria  chimney & cobblestones   abc wednesday blog This is Paternoster Row taken at 10.30pm coming out of the pub This is one of those shots that are taken without thought a point and click attitude hoping for the best l like the capture of the cobblestones in the foreground, the street lamps creating the depth of field  Dixons Chimney in silhouette  and a crescent moon in the distance as featured on the new photo blog Capturing Carlisle 

After five days away on the Isle of Wight amid sunshine, balmy weather much laughter and gin we are home and suitably chilled... ( images enlarge on a click) a yacht just a tad to close for comfort receiving a very loud toot from the ferry captain Two weeks before Cowes week the Solent was still busy   St Peter & St Paul Parish Church, Mottistone 12th century medieval church opposite Mottistone Manor House Victoria's Secret the view from the terrace of the italianate Osborne House built by Prince Albert for the family to relax away from the stresses of royal duties it is a gem in the crown here we can see right over the Solent to the mainland which reminded Albert of the Bay of Naples Appuldurcombe House the baroque house is but a shell now after falling into disrepair following a nearby hit from a mine drop,  it had to be stripped of the roof and some key timbers this palladian inspired 17th C house is set in the middle of gardens designed by...

I have lots of images of Carlisle on my hard drive, many I add to my redbubble page but they sit there waiting patiently... and waiting. For what? So as l wiped my laptop AGAIN and restored it, I thought I would make use of all this data backed up on to my  back up harddrive by creating a blog just for images of Carlisle. Et voila, please take a peek at the new blog. I intend to post several images a week, perhaps even daily, bringing you the sights, building, people and  moments of life in the city! CAPTURING CARLISLE

Way back in January before the shit hit the proverbial fan or in my case the brick wall, I booked one of these cheap 4 night caravan holidays. In fact I booked two, one in July on the isle of Wight and another in late September in Norfolk. The July holiday was planned after the end of term for me and the kids, as we so enjoyed out IOW break in July 2008. That summer we rented an 1962 airstream trailer and whilst Larry unavailable to join us as he was sailing and doing his corporate entertaining, we explored in true Enid Blyton style around the island. I awoke on the last day a 50 year old, but not very wise it turns out. The writing was on the wall but l was in total denial. So since l booked this holiday unfortunately the kids have decided to pass, they won't be joining me, they have plans with their friends and a break with Mum is so not cool. So instead of admitting defeat and cancelling, my pals 'Louise and Elsie' have offered to join me. We three are all single a...

As many of my closest friends know, I am no prude, with a liberal attitude my nearest and dearest know I am happy to talk about sex, or the lack of it. This here isn't a picture of my latest 'toy' even if it does resemble something from the range of female accoutrements in an Ann Summers' shop. And the similarities do not end with its appearance, I will elaborate, now that I may have your full interest.  It is in fact a Power Plate.   This is the latest slimming, toning, exercise gadget to hit the streets of Carlisle. Basically you gently exercise or not so gently according to your ability, stamina and flexibility, with a trainer who coaches and encourages you all the while the plate... wait for it....while it vibrates, with several speed settings! Last week my pal Julie booked a free half hour trial session for three, Carlotta joined us.  The trainer Dave, took us threw our paces, amid shrieks, giggles, bawdy commen...

No, l'm not talking bra size here, in fact mine is still shrinking as l continue to effortlessly lose weight for the first time in my life. What l am looking for is a metaphoric bigger vessel into which l can hold the support, empathy and  love l have been receiving from  friends, some family members and even acquaintances. That without this network of support, of whom until February I really didn't realise or appreciate, I doubt I would be this able. I would be other. Do not think of a painful experience as a dark time in your life. You emerge out of everything learning something or becoming a better person. You realize who your real friends are and how much your loved ones mean to you. ~Colleen Ho I probably have not been thankful enough to them, as moments pass and l sometimes miss the opportunity to tell them to their faces how grateful l am. The 1am text messages asking if l'm in bed yet. The daily phone calls asking if I am ok? The...

Pinched from Lime; 1. What are doing while the football world cup is on? Watching it. I support Enger-land and La belle France! (and Mexico at a pinch). Now its over bar the shouting, l am knitting, exercising, relaxing and drawing and painting a little as l am off work. 2. What picks you up when you're down? Gin. Chocolate. Sex.  The laughter of my kids. Not in that order and NOT at the same time. 3. Indian or China...we're talking tea here, not economics... Not sure which teas come from where…should I? I love Earl Grey 1 part and Assam 2 parts; Ceylon; Peppermint; Camomile and Cinnamon and recently Lady Grey. 4. What do you value most about blogging? The freedom to get thoughts and words out in an almost cohesive manner; the friendships l’ve made and the support that is proffered and received. An amazing place. 5. What can't you bring yourself to throw out of your wardrobe? I run a vintage clothing website, so of course I do not do throw away easily. 6. Would...

to the four winds without aim thoughts scatter heat of summer threatens tinder wood emotions a voice silenced by loss cracks against the hard surface of estrangement in shadow encroaching dampness lingering cold wait at every turn evoked memories bruise on the edge of lust need wanting heartbreak unattended, ignored consumed by sadness a future beckons brimming with indifference